Service and meter testing and connection block.



. J. SACHS. sERvrE AND METER TESHNG AND ceNNEcTloN BLOCK.

APPLICATION msn DEc.14. 1914.- A

l' Patented Feb. 1, 1916.

6 SHEETS-SHEET l.

1. sAcHs. SERVICE AND METER TESTING AND CONNECTIONBLOCK.

' APPLICATION FILED DEC. I4, I9I4 Patented Feb. 1916.-

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SERVICE AND METER TESTING .AND CONNECTION BLOCK.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. I4, 1914.

Patented F5111, 1916.

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' 1. SACHS. `SERVICE AND METER'TES-TING AND CONNECTION BLOCK.

APPLICATIN FILED` DEC. i4, A1914,.

Patented Feb.v 1, 1916.

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Petented 1111.1, 19111 6 SHEETS-SHEET 5.'

Il g1 4 1.sAcHs. SERVICE AND MTER-TESTING AND CONNECTION lBLOCK.

APPLICATION FIYLED DEC. 14. 1914. A

@@3565 l QC. 7K i SACHS. SERVICE AND METER `L'ESTING AND CONNECTION BLOCK..

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 14, 1914.

' `Peeented Feb. 1, 1916.-

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

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I JOSEPH SACHS,- F HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

SERVICE ANDSMETER TESTING AND CONNECTION BLOCK.

To all fr0/wm it may concern Be it known that I, JOSEPH SACI-is, a citizen of the United States, residing at Hartford, in the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inv Service and Meter Testing and Connection Blocks, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to what for convenience may be termed a service and meter testing and connection block.

`In. my invention I have produced a service .and meter testing block providing all features of such blocks heretofore used; viz., the connection of the customers wires with the service and the meter vand also making provision for the rapid and simple connection of the testing devices with these wires and devices, butby my design, arrangement and construction- I am able to accomplish these results in a more effective, simple, inexpensive andl better manner thany heretofore, and in addition have been able to cornbine in the one set of contacts both the pro-v tective features and the meter testing features in such a manner that by means of one block with certain.- standard contacts thereon I am able to provide either a meter testing block entirely free from protective device, a meter testing block provided with any desired arrangement of protective device in any of the wires or poles, and also am enabled with this one single block to adapt it for use with any of the standard .elect-ric service arrangement-s, that is either two-wire, three-wire, direct o r alternating, three-wire polyphase or four-wirey poly- Phase.-

In the description and illustration of my invention I have shown. a. 'variety of meters, illustrative of certain types and also a variety of testing appliancesl and connections used with my peculiar and novel devices.

Referring to said drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of my service and meter testing block free of all'connections and without any of the connecting parts or'protective devices mounted thereon. Fig. 2 is a front elevation, and F ig.' 3 is anend elevation of said block. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the block of Figs. 1, 2 and 3 but with certain vof the fusedand unfused connectors mounted thereon.` Fig. 5 is an end elevation of Fig. 4 showing one of the plain connectors and a fuse-carrying connector. Fig.

Specification of Letters Patent.

`and fuse-carrying connectors -therewith and also with various testing plugs and by-pass bridges in place and arranged for the test shown diagrammatically in Fig. 39. Fig.`12 is an end elevation of the block arranged as in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is aso-called main or load-testing plug with its connected flexible cable and terminal piece. Fig. 14 is a load testing plug similar to Fig. 13 but in which the flexible' cable extending therefrom to the connecting terminal, is provided with a coupling-socket. Figs. 15 and 16 are flexible by-pass bridges -complete with their two plugging pin and coupling sockets, the views being at right angles to each other and one of the plug arid coupling socket pieces being in section. Fig. 17 shows a cross over loop complete with its two connecting plugs, flexible cable and coupling socket. Fig. 18 is a joining flexible coupling wire or cable complete with its two end plugs and the coupling-socket mounted in the flexible .wire connecting the two end parts. Figs. 19 and 20 are two similar so-called volt or potential cords complete with the coupling-plugs at one end of each ofthe flexible cables and the forked instrument connecting terminals at the other end. These Aare-represented in duplicate to show a complete equipment. Fig. 21' is a potential coil connecting cord with its plugpiece at one end and flexible hared wire at the other end of its cord. Fig. 22 is the block in plan with the parts as shown in Fig.'y 4 but arranged and positioned to receivev another form of testing devices. Fig.

I23 yis an end elevation of the block coml pletely arranged as shown in Fig. 22. Fig. 24 is an elevation partly in section of what may be called the permanently connected main or load plug, lthe section showing details of the connecting-clip and connectorreceiving cavity. Fig. 25 shows what may Patented Feb. 1, 1916.

Application filed December 14, 1914. Serial No. 877,113.

be called the interchangeably connected load plug and the connectingplug and couplingvsocket at the end of one of the load testing wires inserted therein and connected to' the clip. Fig. a is an elevation partly in sec tion of what may be called the neutral connecting-plug, this plug being similar to the load .plug of 25. Fig. 26 is a section through the clip of Fig. 25 to show its gcncral form and construction of the plug in said Fig. 25 and also to show this clip somewhat more in detail, this illustration of the form of the clip also applying to similar clips of Figs. 24, 28, 29 and 30. Fig. 27 is a small broken away end of Figs. 24, 25 and 28 to illustrate the connector-receivingrecess in these plugs. Fig. 28 is a rigid bypass bridge, in elevation.Y Fig. 29 is a detail in elevation, partly in section of what may be called .the permanent potential testing plug and current feed arranged with its two connected clips, the potential testing cable being permanently connected to one of ,these Fig. 30 is a 1practically similar view ofwh'at may be called the interchangeable potential plug with its two separate clips which may, however, be connected together if necessary by the flexible loop and its plug;

the view also shows the coupling-socket inv this loop. The loop and socket are, however,

' not always connected across the clips as shown. F ig. 31 is an end elevation of plug .30 showing the connector-receiving clip.

Fig. 32 is a detail view of a similar meter connecting flexible cord complete with its plug and flexible bared wire at opposite, ends as shown in Fig. 21. Figs. 33 to 50 both inclusive are diagrams hereinafter more particularly described.

Like. characters refer to like parts throughout the several views.

viz: Fig. 33, two-wire service with two-wire meter, both wires passing through meter;

Before` setting forth in detail the various organizations shownin the drawings, I deem it desirable to describe somewhat more fully than I have the various diagrams.

'Figs 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38 are diagrammatic arrangements 'of my service and meter testing block connected up with a meter,'the service jwires and the customers current carrying wires, while the light linesY illustrate potential wires. These figures show dierent types of meters and services,

Fig. 34, two-wire service, two-wire meter, one wire passing through meter and one end of the potential coil tapped to other side of circuit outside of' meter; Fig. 35, three-wire service, three-wire-Ineter, one end of potential coil tapped outside of meter@ Fig. 36, threeavire service, three-wire meter with potential coil connected with two outparts and devices.y

side wires inside ofnieter; Fig. 37, three wirepolyphase service with three-wire poly phase meter; F 38, four-wire, two phase service with four-wire two-phase meter, each phase having separate current and potential coil,

Figs. 39, 40, 4l, 42, 43 and 44 are diagrammatic arrangements of my service and meter testing block connected to the service and eustomers wires as well as the meter and also showing the connections that would exist when the block is arranged with its testing devices for making different types of test on each of the different meters shown. The type of testing appliances or plugs or system which is used in the diagrammatic arrangement of testing circuits shown is that which maybe called the flexible bridge system as illustrated in the drawings Figs.4

l1 to 2l inclusive. ln the diagrams shown in Figs. 39 to 44 inclusive continuous lines4 show the permanent or installation wires and connections and devices, while'the dotted lines show the testing wires, connections,

The normal arrangements of each of the connections'shown in Figs. 39 to 44 are as follows: Fig. 39 corresponds to the normal arrangement shown in Fig. 33; Fig. 40 corresponds to thenormal arrangement shown in Fig. 34.' Fig. v41

.corresponds to the lnormal arrangement shown in Fig. 35; Fig. 42 corresponds to the normal arrangement shown in Fig. 36; Fig. 43A corresponds to the normal arrangement shown in Fig. 37; and Fig. 44 corre-.

shows test with standard meter and resistance, a battery being used tov supply the ltesting current whilecurrent is only taken from the line to supply the potential coil current being taken from the line. Fig. 40

of the installed and testing meter. Fig.41

shows test with current taken fromthe line using standard meter and resistance but in which the test is being made at half potential, that is between the central or'neutral wire and one ofthe outside of the three-' wire system. Fig. 42 shows a test. with standard meter and resistance, current being furnished by a transformer, the primary of which is connected to the'line and thesecondary feeding current for test, the potential coil current, however, being taken from the line, for the potential coils of the installed and testing meter. Fig. 43 shows test with ance, only one side of the installed meter being testedata time.v Fig. 44 shows test made on one phase of the two-phase serviceV using standard meter and resistance, only one side of the two-phase installed meter beinotested at a time.

rigs. 45, 46, 47, 4s, 49 .ma 5e are 114- grammatic arrangements of my service and meter testing block` connected to the service and customers wires as well. as the meter and as in the case of Figs. 39 to 44`inclusive, showing the connections that would exist when the block was arranged with its testing devices for making dili'erent types of tests on each of the different meters shown. lVhile the type ofltesting appliances or plugs or system which is used in the arrangements of Figs. 39 to 44 inclu' sive is of what might be called the individual plug and flexible .bridge type, that used in the diagrammatic arrangements 02E-- Figs. to 50 inclusive is of what might be called the composite plug and rigid 'bridge type such as aie illustrated in the drawings of Figs. '22 to 32 inclusive. Asheretofore the continuous lines show the normal -or installation connections, wires and devices, while the dotted lines show the testing wires and devices. The normal arrangement of each of the arrangements shown inA Figs. 45 to 50 inclusive are as follows: Fig. 45 corresponds to the arrangement of Fig. 33; Fig. 46 corresponds to Fig. 34; Fig. 47 to Fig. 35; Fig. 48 to Fig. 36; Fig. 49 to Fig. 37 and Fig. 50 to Fig. 38. The arrangement of the tests and styles of metersy are as heretofore, that is Fig. 45 shows a test with a standard meter and resistance, current being taken from the line; Fig. 46 shows a test with standard meter and resistance but a battery beingused to supply testing current, while current is taken from the. line to supply the potential coil of the installed and testing meter. Fig. 47 shows test with current taken from the line using standard meter and resistance but in which the test is made at half the potential, that line itselt` for-the potential coils of' the in stalled and testing meters. Fig. 49. is a `test with current taken from one phase of a three-phase line using standard meter and resistance, only one side of the installed meter being tested at a time. Fig. 50 is a test` made on one-phase of the twophase` service using standard meter and resistance, only one-phase of the two-phase line 1n- Astalled meter being tested at a. time.

Referring now in detail to Figs. 1 to 10 inclusive, 2 1s a base of insulating-material such for instance as porcelain or any other well-known material adapted to this purpose, and which may be provided as shown with the partition walls 3 projecting outwardly from the base the necessary extent leading from or intersecting each recess or depression. It will'be noted that there are ten such holes and ten depressions. At vthe` inner or bottom side of the base the holes 5 open into the chambers 6 which'as shown are square.- Holes 7 are utilized to receive means for holding down the base to a wall or other foundation on which said base may be mounted. Mounted in each of the recesses or depressions 4 is a contact shown as an L-shaped connection and contact member 8 generally formed up from Hat stock such as brass or copper, and these contact and connection members at their bent base or seat have slignt grooves 9 and holes, the latter being intended to receive the threaded eyelets or grommets 10, having squared heads to lit the appropriate square chambers 6. in the inner or'lower side of the base 2. The upper ends of these threaded eyelets or grommets enter the holes 5 in the bases of the members '8` and are riveted over, so that the membersV 8 are firmlyl held by the grommets 10 to said base. Received in the internal vthreads of the grommets 10 are the screws 11 which clamp down the washers or clamp pieces 12 having grooves13 complemental to thel respective grooves 9 of the members 8, the service, meter and customers load wires being connected to the block by their insertion in the pairs of mating grooves and rm'ly connected and held in place by setting the screws 11. It will be noted that thecontact and connection members 8 are arranged in pairs, there being in the construction shown, tive ofsuch pairs, the upwardly extending contact portions of each pair of the members 8 being in alinement transversely of vthe block. In the construction and arrangement shown the two pairs on the right' end of. the base form the contact members for one pole. The two pairs on the-left end yof the base Jorm the contact and connection members for a second pole, while the single pair of contact and connection members in the center of the block and between the walls .3 form the contact and connection -members for a third pole. It will, therefore, be seen that the block with its contact and connection members is adapted'for three-pole or three-wire use if connection is made across each pair of contact vmembers, but it will be understood that if the central pair of connection members is not bridged or connected across, then each one of the central pair of contact and connection members may be used as a terminal piece for a separate or distinct pole such asl vwould for instance be the case if the block were used as hereinafter shown for a twophase, four-wire arrangement. f c It will be noted that the upwardly projecting portion of the members S. on one side of the Abase each have a hole or ,aperture 14, the purpose of which is to receive a 4projection on a connector member whereby saidA connector member is adapted to; pivot- 'ally swing on the supporting portions of the members S.

For the purpose of connecting across each pairfof contacting and connecting members 8 I use a connector member. rlhese con nector members may be of different forms, construction and design, for example they may, be either solidv conductors without any provision' for carrying protective devices, or

.they may be of such construction as mayv be adapted to lreceive and hold or carry protective devices such for instance as fuses, or

ifthe fuse be of the inclosed type, this complete with its casing may be adapted to serve as a connector. Figs. 6 and 7 show a solid or unfused connector made of strap or fiat metal such for instance as spring bronze orbrass'and provided with the complemental flat' sides 15 the inside surfaces acting as contacts, joined -by the split tubular or cybers 8 so that a good contact is secured. The nibs 17 are adapted, however, when the connector members are pushed into place on the members 8, to be received in the aper-4 tures or holes14 and thus wheniso received being adapted, to swing on the pivots or hinges so formed. This swinging of the Connector members provides a'. way of opening and closing the connection through the medium of the connector members between each pair of contact members 8.

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 show in detail a con nector member adapted to receive, carry and hold a protective device, in thiscparticular ,case the protective device being a so-called screw-plug-fuse of the well-known type. 18 is a cylindrical like shell of insulating material such as porcelain, having the circular depression or recess 19 extending longitudi nally from thetop inwardly. 20 is a radial,-

inwardly-extending aperture of the general outline shown and 21 is a similar radial, in-.

wardly-eXtending aperture .of .somewhat greater depth. These two apertures are at lis the threaded Contact shell 22.

inmate what might becalled the base ofthe shell 1S and are in alinement Iand located so as to be diametrically opposite at the base. Inserted in the cavity 19 and bottoming therein Inserted in the cavity 2O is the clip piece 23 shaped in outline when looked at from the end, like the solid connector of Figs. 6 and 7. Inserted in the aperture 21 is a similar clip like piece 24 provided, however, at its inner end with a projecting portion threaded to receive the screw 25. -The upper part of the clip 2?, is also threaded to receive the screw 26'. The threaded connecting shell of metal has a base portionbottoming in the recess or cavity 19 and is clamped down by the ring 27 by means of the "screw 26 which holds together the shell 22 and the slip 23. On top of the ring 27 are' the mica washers 28 and the screw 25 passes through these washers, being insulated thereby from the shell 22 and screws into the threaded. portion y at the inner end of the clip 24. In this way' the head ofthe screw 25 serves as one terminal -well-known standard type andv in the form shown the top has a mica window through which the fusible conductor inside the lplug can be seen.

Referring now again to Figs. 4C and 5 it will be noted that the base block is shown provided with both solid or unfused connectors, and fuse-carrying connectors, the outer pair of contacting and connecting members 8 at each end 'of the block right and left is provided with a solid or unfused` connector such as is shown in Figs. 6 and .7. The central pair of contacting and connectionvmembers 8 is also provided with a similar solid connector while the two re mainingA pairs of connection andcontacting members 8 immediately adjacent tothe end pairs are each provided with a fuse carrying IGC or holding connector such as is shown 1n each of the two wires of the line will be' fused while the central members 8 and the connector shown in conjunction therewith will be used for certain connecting purposes with the meter as'will also be indicated heref inafter.

y Reference to Fig. i shows'by dotted lines,

a solid connector and a fuse carrying connector broken away and swung up at right angles lto the normal position in which these ing up of the connection between each pair or any desired pair of the members 8 is,

however, usually performed after connection has been made across a pair of adjacent or otherwise disposed connectors of the same polarity, by what I call a bridge piece, the purpose of which is to maintain electrical continuity between the connectors while at the same time when these connectors are vopened up', freeing certain ,of the contacts 8 and making them accessible to receive or,

nector isassociated but are also adapted to receive suitable means such as bridging pieces or by-pass pieces or members, which.

by-pass or bridging pieces, whether flexible or rigid, after being associated or connected with two Vof the connector members, then 'permit the opening up of one or both of the connector members with which the bridging member or piece is connected or associated.

As already noted I have shown in the drawings two systems, forms or methods of' testing-plu gs and testing-connecting devices,

'- one of which I have termed the flexible bridge, individual plug method, and the other `the .rigid bridge `composite plug method.- In Figs. 13 to 21 inclusive I have shown the various plugs, bridges, loops and instruments, cables and associated parts of the flexible'bridge individual plug system, andin Figs. l1 and 12certain of the plugs, bridges,l connecting cables and loops, etc., in place on the block with the connectors .in a position for carrying out of a certain test hereinafter more fully discussed and diagram'matically illustrated in the drawings.` The'devices shown in Figs. 13 to 21 inclusive are illustrative of one of the many types' of parts 'and members of the flexible testing lsystem for theperformance of not only the dotted lines.

tests diagrammatically illustrated and already mentioned, but also a great variety of other tests. It will be understood that all of the devices are not always used for making any particular test, and it will ralso be understood that the connecting loops, cords and cables as well as the receiving sockets and the plugging and coupling sockets may be varied as to position and arrangement in their particular cables and parts.

In Figs. 13 and 14 the two main or what might be called testing load cables complete with their plugs, terminals and the coupling socket in one of the connecting cables are shown. Each of these testing cables and plugs has a suitable length of 'flexible one end of which is the plug in Aclip having the insulating cylindrical handle part 3l which at its lower' end is apertured longitudinally to receive. the connecting clip 32, the end of the wire ofthey fiexible cable or cord being suitably connected to the clip and the clip' being held in position in the handle as indicated in the drawing or in any other suitable manner. The manner in which this clip contacts with and coacts with the member 8 mounted on the base is'indicated in Fig. 13, the member 8 being indicated by the At 'the other end of each of these load or main testing cables is a termin-al 33 to which the wire of the cable or cord is connected, the joint being surrounded by an insulating sleeve. The fiexible wire in one of the'testing cables, Fig,l 13, extends uninterrupted 'from the clip to the terminal stranded `insulated conductor 30 connected to piece, while the other of these testing cables Figi 14, has connected to its flexible wire, at any suitable position between the terminal at one end and the clip at the other, a coupling-socket consisting of the central apertured metallic sleeve 34k surrounded by the insulating shell or jacket 35. The wire of this particularjcable passes through the insulating jacketvr and is bared inside and connected to the metallic apertured socket. This form of coupling socket is also used in conjunction with the cross over loop of Fig. 17 and the flexible joining coupling', cord or wire, Fig. 18, and is shown with the insulating jacket in section and the central metallic socket with the bared wire connected thereto in connection with Fig. 17. l

Figs. 1-5 and 16 are as already stated the flexible bypass bridges yboth of which are alike and consist of the fiexible insulated wire 36 of pro-per length to the ends of which, metallic plug and socket pieces 37 are connected. One end of these metallic pieces 37 is provided with the split pin plug end 38 andthe socket plug receiving aperture 39. Surrounding the metallic part to leave the 'plug pin portion 38 yproject is the insulating jacket 40 having the aperture L11 so that any of the other plug pins required to `perfo-rm any particular test maybe inserted into the socket aperture 39.

The cross over loop (Fig.117) has the flexible insulated wire 42 connected' at each Vend. to aplug in clip held in a cylindrical `flexible wire 42 has connected to it a coupling socket 44 which is similar to the socket 84 already described.

The flexible joining or coupling wire or -cable (Fig. 18) has the' flexible insulated wire 45to the ends of which are connected metallic plug pin pieces 4G, thejoint between the plug pin pieces 'and the ends of the Wire being covered fby an insulating sleeve also serving as a handle as shown. Somewhere between the ends of the flexible wire is acoupling socket 47 similar to the sockets 34 and 4- The volt or potential cords or cables (Figs.- 19 and 20) have the flexible wire 48 to one end of each of which is connected the plug pin piece 49, the joint with the wire being covered by an insulating sleeve which also serves as a handle, these plug pinpieces 49 being` similar to the plug pin pieces 46. At the other end of each of the flexible wires or cablesof the volt cords 48 are the forked, testing instrument connecting terminals 50, connected to the respective wires.

48, thejoints being also covered by insulating sleeves.

The installedmeter .potential coil connecting cord (Fig. 21) consists of the'fleXivble insulated wire or cablel 51, one end of which Ihas the plug pin piece 52,-the joint between the wire and the plug pin piece being covered by a-n insulating sleeve, and the other end of the flexible wire 51 being` left bare, so lthat it can be connected by twisting or otherwise to the treed terminal of the potential coil of the installed meter in making certain tests as diagrammatically indicated in Figs. 42 and 48.l The plug pin piecev52 with its insulating sleeve is similar to the plug pins, pieces or parts 49`and 4G,

the metallic plug-in portion orv pin being made of hard brass or similar material and it may be slit longitudinally as shown to and 52 are interchangeably vreceivable'into these socket apertures. It is also desirable, although not essential,that the plug-in ends like 38 of the flexible bridges bealso made of similar size and style'so that the uniformity of dimension may existbetween all the plugs and' their'receiving apertures. v'As will be noted in the drawing the plug pin pieces at the ends of the'fleXible bridges are intended to be received into thel interior of the cylindrical like hollow head portions of the connector members 15 or theirequivalents.

I have shown in thedrawings and described above, the various testing plugs,

portions, so that the plug pins like 46, 49

coupling sockets, cables, loops, volt cords,

etc., which form a complete setor outfit asV it may be called, to make it possible to per# form any of `the variety of tests with the different types-of meters. It will be` understood, however, that where certain definite tests on ceifain types of meter only are ,to

be made, that all of these are not needed. Howeveigin their entirety as shown they provide complet-e plugging and connecting means and devices for the performance of almost any practical test with' any of the standard and ordinarily-used types of meters whether two-wire, three-wire, direct or alternating, single phase or three or four polyphase. In order to illustrate the manner of using some of these testing bridges, plugs, sockets and other parts in themak.- ing of an actual test on the block, I have shown in Figs. 11 and 12 'a meter testing block equipped with fused and unfused connectors in a manner somewhat similar to that shown in Figs. 4 and 5 but in which the central connector has been omitted to -leave the central pair of connector and contact pieces as 8 free. In the particular installation and with the particular style 'of meter for which' this block has been arranged. this central pair of connection and contact members are not required. The block as installed and in normal service is arranged and serves to'electrically connect and con-` tact in accordance with the diagrammatic arrangement shown in Fig.' 33. rl-hat is it is installed in conjunction with a two-wire service using a two-wire meter having both of the wires of the circuitV passing through the meter.

The wires of the two wire service are indicated at 53 and these connect tothe lower connection and contact member of the second pair from each'end of the block.

54 indicates the two wires leading from the block to the customers load and these are connected to the lower contact member'S of each of the end pairs. 55 indicate theA wires-leading to the meter, those on one side .has been swung upwardly.

side simply form aloop'through the meter to which one terminal of the potential coil of the installed meter is connected. It will be noted that these meter connecting wires are connected to the upper member 8 `of each of the pairs in activeV service on the block. lVithout going into the particular diagrammatic arrangement of'the connections and iiow of the current, which will be more elaborately discussed later, it may be said, however, now that the service enters at the wires 53, the meter is connected in by the wires and the wires 54 feed from the block to the load,`and'in that manner the current passes through the connectors of the block to the meter and to the translating devices. i

In the particular testing arrangement of Figs. 11,112 and 39, one of each of the flexible bridges as shown in Figs. l5 and 16 is usually first plugged into the ,hollow cylindrical head of two adjacent connectors, one of them as shown being fused, the other unfused. The two connectors may be said to be the incoming and outgoing connectors for that particular pole of the circuit. After the by-pass has beenconnected the unfused connector is, in this particular test, swung up and away from the complemental contact member 8 of its pair, tothe other one of which lpair the other end of the connector is still connected. Consequently the bridges as indicated in their entirety by 56 connect across directly from one tothe other of the two adjacent connector members and the insulating handle of the combined plug pin and socket end piece has Aserved as a handle for the manipulation of the connector which Onto the connection and contact members 8 which have been thus exposed or freed or made'accessible by the swinging away and disconnection of the connector member, is now clipped or plugged or pushed, one of the main or load plugs having its respective flexible wire'and terminal ends connected thereto and these' are indicated ink their entirety and in position on the freed members 8`by 57. It will be understood that the terminal ends of each of these two main load wires or cables extending from the plugs connecting withftheir respective contact members 8 are eX- tended to and connect with the standard testing meter 57 and resistance 57, etc.

There may now be pluggedinto socket aperture of one of the combinedsoclet and plug pieces of each of the flexible bridges, for the purpose of receiving current for the volt coil of the standard meter, the plug pin, ends of the volt or potential testing cords which are indicated in their entirety by 58 and the other or terminal ends of these volt cords extend tothe potential coil ofthe testing meter. Y

As arranged'in Figs. l1 and 12 and also wires be connected to the contact members 8 forming one of the pairs with which the fuse connector is coactive so that the service current enters the block first through the fused connector, where such connectors are used. Certainly where the block is used with a complete outiit of solid or unfused connectors, fuses or 0ther protective devices are usually provided elsewhere.

For the purposeof diagrammatically illustrating some of the many normal installation connections of my service and. meter testing block, I'have in Figs. 33 and v38 inclusive shown various types of meters and services. The circuit arrangements and contacting paths will be clearly perceivable from the diagrams. -For the sake of simplicity in diagrammatic illustration I have indicated the connectors of the plain or unfused type, but it will be understood that these are removable and interchangeable.

Corresponding insequence to the diagram shown in Figs. 33 and 38 inclusive, are the diagrammatic arrangements of Figs. 39 to 44 inclusive, which Show as has been already stated-each of the normal arrangements of Figs. 33 to 38 disposed and arranged by a proper manipulation ofthe connectors on the block and the proper bridges, plugs, etc. for the performance of different tests. As has been stated'the test diagrams of Figs. 39 to 44 show the arrangement of parts and circuits when the flexible system of appurtenances just described are used. It will form or style of test may be l,performed on any of the particular installation arrangements shown. In other words in Fig. 39 as shown a two-wire service with two-wire meter having both wires pass therethrough is tested with current from the line, usinga standard meter4 and resistance while in Fig. 40 the twowire service is connected to a two-wire meter, with only one wire passing Vthrough the meter, one end of the potential coil of the meter being tapped on the outside to the block, current for the test being provided by'a battery and current for the potential coils of the installed and test meters being supplied from the line. The battery test may be made on the normal arrangement of Fig. 3,9 and, vice versa, the

test of Fig. 39 may be made on the normal arrangement of Fig.` 40 and for that reason ...that the various testing yappurtenarices and devices areprovided. In connection with this point it may be well to refer back to Figs. 11 and-12. Here .is shown the arrangement of the block and its testing appurtenances, devices, etc., arranged for the test of Fig. 39 and as will be seen that while the two flexible bridges, the two main load plugs or cables andthe two potential cords or cables are used, that the flexible loop of Fig. 17, the flexible'connecting coupling cable of Fig. 16 and the potential connecting cord .of Fig. 21 are not used, these, however serving as will be noted from the other diagrams (Figs. 40 to 44 inclusive) when other style s and forms of testing arrangements are carried out. In the diagrammatic illustrations (Figs. 39 to 44) 'showing the testing circuits as well as the service and' load connection arrangements I have indicated as clearly.- as possible, the various parts and members ofAFigs. 13 to 21-and also the point on each at which.A they are joined or coupled, although it willbe obvious that a great variety of connections and couplings is possible.

In the diagrams Figs. 39 to- 44 illustrative of tests with .the flexible bridge system of -testing appurtenances, the by-passes and other testing appurtenances indicateddiagrammatically bear characters corresponding to those identifying the same style of testing appurtenances in Figs. 11 to 2 1 inclusive. In all the diagrams including Figs..

33 to 50 inclusive the serviceV wires are denoted by 53, the loadv wires'by 54 and the meter connecting wires 55, these charactersagreeing with. the characters applied to thev same parts'appearing in Figs. 11 and 12 and 22 and 23.'

.It is to be observed that while in some of the tests (those in Figs. 39 to 44 inclusive) only one of the connectors of each adjacent v pair of connectors electrically connected in Y of the combined plug pin and coupling socket pieces ot the flexible bridges may be grasped'and thus both of the connectors moved. together. Or if .desired both may first be opened up and then the one desired returned to its original position.'r

' In order to illustrate another form of testing appurtenances and devices which may also be used with the service and testing block I have shown in Figs. 24 to 32 inclusive, parts, members and devices including plugs, cables, cords, couplings, sockets,`terminals, etc., of what may ,be called jthe composite plug rigid bridge system as distinguished from the individual plug flexible bridge system already above described. It will be apparent, however, that there are also other arrangements o-testing devices and combinations of both the flexible and There are two main-loaldwor testing cables,

or flexible insulated wires, one of which terminates at one end in the clip contactor 60, the wire being suitably soldered to the acketed end ofthe clip as shown." vIn Fig. 24

one of these clips complete with'its insulating jacket or handleblock is shown, and in order to more clearly'perceive the general form of the clip contactor which is -made of Genersov spring metal such as bronze,'reference may be had to Fig. 26 in which a section is shown vthrough the material so asto give an end` elevation outline of the complete clip contactor. At one corner4 of the insulating handle block is the 'slot or recess 61 the gen- 'era'l form of which is shown by the end View in Fig. 27. v

The other load wire or main testing cable terminates at oneend in the combined plug 'pin and -socket member 62 having theproceiving aperture and constructed in a gen-- eral way similar to the members used in conjunction with the flexible bridges of Figs. 15 and 16. The plugging end pin of this combined member forming the terminal of one of the'maintesting cablesfmay 'be vinserted into the upper roundedend of the clip contactor 63 which isdin general conformation similar to the contactor 60 beingl also jacketed and held ,in its handle block, but instead of having the end of the main testing cable soldered -thereto or permanently connected-thereto, this particular clip contactor with its handle block is adaptjecti'ng plugging end pin and the plugtrer,ed to be easilyl and. readily disconnected from the terminal of its main testing cable. The form of this clip contactor endwise is also like that shown in Fig. 26, and one end of the insulating block handle is also provided with the groove, recess or aperture having a conformation similar to that shown in Fig. 2 7. i

Another clip contactor complete with its insulating 'block handle Fig. 25A, and having the groove or aperture already referred to in` one corner of the insulating block handle is also provided and this clip contactor complete with its block handle yis in every way similar to the clip contactor and handle of Fig; 25, it also being adapted to receive the plugging pin end of either a combined socket and plug pin piece terminal or any other form of plug pin piece without the socket. rI`his clip contactor is provided for connection with the central con` Znection and contact members 8 when it is Athe clip 63,v and the other 65 being shorterv but of the same general conformation, an end view of this clip- 65 being shown in Fig. 31. Vhile the clips like 60, 63, 64 and 67 contact with the freed members 8 and be called the base` contact testing clips, the clips like 65 and 68 `contact with the iiat sides of the exposed ends of the connector members like 15 of Fig. 6 or'24 of Fig 8 and may, therefore, be called the connector,

feed or line testing.clips. Electrically con-` necting the two clips `64 and 65, is the bar or rod 66 and both contactorsv or clips are surrounded and jacketed by the insulating handle block in a similar. manner to those already described. Permanently connected to the upper end of the clip 65 is one end of one of the volt or flexible volt or potential wires or cords, while the upper end of the clip 64 is provided with. the hollow rounded aperture similar to that of clip 63.` Another contactor in some way similar to the contactor of Fig. 29 is shown in Fig. 30, but this contactor while also provided with two contact clips, one'67 being like 60 .of Fig. 24 and the other 68 being like 65 of Fig.

.29. These two clips are not permanently connected together'as in the case of the contactors of Fig. 29 but may either be so' connected or may be electrically free and` separate, and for this purpose may be provided the flexible loop or joining wire 69 provided at one end with the plug .70, one end of the wire being'connected to. the plug pin and provided with a suitable insulated jacket handle while the other end is permanently soldered to the upper end of the clip 67. Somewherebetween the two ends of the wire 69 is the coupling socket 71which -is similar in construction to the coupling sockets 34, 44 and 47 Surrounding the clips 67 and 68 is the insulatinghandle block which holdsthem firmly together in a man; ner similar to that indicated with the other clip contactors just as described. It will be understood that while the, flexible loop is shown connectinO across from the clip 67-to the part 68 so 2that electrically these two clips-are the same as in the case of the contactor clips of Fig. 29, yet this only shows one arrangement of the contactor clips of Fig. 30 because in other'c'ases and where other testsare tobe made, it will be necessary to remove tlievplug 70 from the clip 68 and insert it into the other clips, such for instance, as the clip 64 of the contact of Fig. 29.

The installed meter potential coil connector flexible with its plug pin piece of Fig. 32 is similar to the same part shown in Fig. 21 and need not, therefore, be described.

The rigid bridge shown in Fig. 28 consists of thetwo conducting plugV pins k72, electrically connected togetherI bythe plate or connecting bar 7 3, the conducting parts` being held in the insulating handle 74. rIhe two pins are so spaced as to correspond to the spacing of the adjacent pairs of connectors, into the hollow heads of which they are to be inserted.` An end elevation of the insulating handle is shown in Fig. 23 in which the bridge is connected to and associated with the two connectors on one pole.

As in the case of Figs. 11 and 12, I have shown in Figs. 22 and 23 the block complete with its mounted connection and contacting members, and its fused and unfused connectors, but instead of being` arranged for use with the flexible system as in the case of Figs. 11 and 12, it is here shown arranged with the rigid testing appurtenances which are shown mounted on the block in position fora test withv the bridges and connectors drawn back. It'will be noted by reference to these figures that the contactor blocks or pieces or members have been shown connected to their cables or wires, but instead of each of the wires or cables from each 'of the contactors being separated and distinct from the other, they are bunched -or cabled together into a composite cable. The two main or load testing wires from. the two maincontactor members or blocks terminate inthe terminal pieces 75 which are similar in construction to the terminal pieces 33 of Figs. 13 and 14, while the two potential or volt wires or cables extending from the two volt o r potential contactor blocks or members terminate in the two potential or voltage .instrument terminals 76 which are similar to the terminals 50 of Figs. 19v

and 20. ,p

In making tests with the rigid bridge devices, the two pins 72 of a rigid by-pass bridge are first inserted in the hollow cylinvdrical heads of twoadjacent connector members 15.

tion with the complemental connection and contact members Q f each connector. The bridge piece which has served to connect across from one connector to the other, bypasses the current around the meter, while at the same time the insulating handle of each of the bridges has served as a handle to move the two adjacent connectors together or as a unit into testing position. rThe permanent load or main testing conductor with its handle block as shown in Fig. 24 has been designated in Figs. 22 and 23 and also in the diagrams, Figs. 45 to 50 inclusive, as 78 while the interchangeable load or main testing contactor with its handle block and also the terminal plug and socket terminal of the cable or wire connected therewith has been designated as 79. The permanent potential and current feeding plug shown in detail in Fig..29 has been designated as 80 while the other poh tential contactor Withits connecting loop as shown in Fig. 30`ha's been designated as 81. While one of the terminals of the potential or volt wires or cables, is permanently connec-ted to the contactor 29, the other volt or potential wire terminates in a plug pin with insulating sleeve 82 which is similar to thev plug 61 excepting that it is not provided with a receiving aperture but merely with a plugging pin, and this plug is received in the socket 71 and in'that manner this voltor potential wire is connected with the two clips 67 and 68 of the contactor block of Fig'. 30. It will be understood., however,

both the wire terminating in the plug 82 and that terminating in the plug 7 9 may be 'connected to or inserted in other receiving sockets or directly in the cylindrical hollow heads of the contactor clips or the connectors.

The general arrangement of the complete block conditioned for testing with its testing devices of Figs. 22 and 23 is similar to that .of Figs. l1 and l2. It is arranged for twowire service and as shown conditioned with -its testing devices to perform the test of -in Figs. 45 to 50 inclusive bear characters Livonia 44 respectively the difference being merely in the devices and appurtenances used. In showing these diagrammatic representations," of the circuit and connections I have en-4 deavored to have the diagrammatic showing illustrate as nearly as possible the actual placement of the various paits and devices described and shown in Figs.' 24 to 82.

In the normal installation condition the block as has already been stated has its connectors contacting with each respective complemental pair of connection and contacting members 8 and when a test is to be made the first operation is to insert in the desired connectors to be moved or manipulated, ,the bridge piece whether flexible or rigid, and then after the bridge piece has been properly and firmlv inserted into its receiving sockets in the head of the connectors the. current has been by-'passed'around the meter 85 and these connector members may be then moved upwardly out of" connection with such of the members 8 as maybe desired for testing purposes. After this has been done, connection is then made'with the desired 90 members 8 and such partsfo'n the bridges or the opened connectors as may be needed for electrical connection by means of the appurtenances and devices of Figs. 13 to 21 or those of Figs. 24 to 32. It will be under- 9,5 stood that in using the flexible system, connection across from the current feed or service side, across to the meter side of the block, is made by means of the fieXible connecting cords and cables with theirA associated plugs 100 and contact with the exposed sides at the 11,0 l,

ends of the solid connectorslike Fig. 6 when swung up out of engagementwith its complemental member 8 or themembers 24 of Fig. 8 of the fuse carrying connectors when in a similar position. In order that the clip like sides of the plain connectors and clips of the fused connectors may also be firmly clipped together and also to aid in mounting and placing of the contactor elements,

it is intended that the grooves as shown in t Fig. 27 although containing no conducting parts also firmly grip the ends of the associated connectors. Y

While I have only shown in connection with each set or system of testing devices a block arranged with each rof the particular kind of devices for the performance of only one test, it will be readily seenfrm the diagrams and from the various testing .devices how and what the arrangement would be v .Y particular block here illustrated possesses for any of the other tests of the diagrams In the showing which I have made and the accompanying description 'only one form of service and testing block embodying my invention has been shown. `In this form .one kind of solidA connectors have been used and one form of fuse carrying or fused connectors. It will beunderstood that I in no way intend to limit myself to the pari ticular construction of the base, contacts, or

kthe connectors joining complemental members of each pair of contacts. There may be a variety of forms of these elements. I

lalso do not wish in a'ny way to limit`myself to the particulanmeans of lay-passing or the means for lopening the circuit from one to preciated I may use any other motion or movement.A

While an arrangement of connection and contactmembers, such as is shown in lthe advantages and is of particular utility in connection'with certain meter connection yso and .testing installations, the inventionis not restricted'to the particular number of pairs 2 of connection Aand contact members with their co-active connectors.

call attention to the fact that`l vany one or [more of the'connectors may be of fuse-car- V 'load side of the meter coil.

rying'character and that thefuse-carrying connectormay be either von the service or Furthermore, the connectors servingfor other .purposes than thatv just mentioned may also be fused or unfused as desired. If desired, .-the'connector on the load side'as well-a-s the connector on the service side may be ar fusey carrying connector. Itis to be observed that'v in the connector there is provided an element which in itself, serves the dual `function when desired of both a cut-out and 'a testing device and that this connectorA y ing instrumentalities. I

`What-'I claim is: ,y 1. A base, afpair of contacts on said base,

and meansfor electrically Vconnecting the contacts or breaking the electrical connection therebetween, said connecting means being provided with means for the electrical connection therewithvof testing-'means the connecting means when the testing means is connected therewith 'being movable vto elec-I I also desire to trically free for testing purposes, at least one of said contacts. i I 2. A base, a pair of contacts on said base,

and a connector coperative with said contacts to make and break connection therebemeans for the electrical connection therewith of testing means irrespective of the position of said connector.

3. `A base, a pair of contacts thereon, a connector to make and break the electricalconnection between said contacts, one of said contacts being electrically freed forv testing purposes when theA connector has been moved'to the breaking position, and means for making electricalconnection with that part of the freed contact which is engaged by said connector when in the circuit making position thereof, the.,connector having means for the connection therewith of test-y ing means in any' of the positions thereof.

4. vbase, a pair. of contacts thereon, and

' tween, saidconnector being provided with a connector -directly coperative .with said y contacts and movable to open andI close the connection between the contacts and when in the open position freeing one of said conbeing provided with means for the connection thereto `of testing means irrespective of the position ofsaid connector.-

5. A base,`at least four contacts arranged in two pairsgthereon, means for electrically.

connecting or disconnecting the contacts of each pair independently, means forilelecti'ically bridging acrosspfrom one ofjthe'colr tacts of one pairtof one of the'contacts of tacts for testing purposes, said 'connector the other ppair, and for maintaining .said

of cach pair has been freed by opening the connecting Vmeans between each pair, theI connectingand-'disconnecting means of4 at least lne pair ofL contacts'beingincluded in the bridging circuit.

6. The combination with at least two connector members and their associated pairs of'contacts, of an electrical )by-pass bridge'.-

for .connection with a connector, said bypass 1cridgr being provided with means to serve as a manipulating part for at least'one of ille connectors.

7. Means for connecting or disconnecting a pair of contacts, and means for electrical connection with the aforesaid connecting or disconnecting means, said last means when so connected serving as a manipulating means for the connecting and disconnecting means to render one of the contacts ofthe pair accessible for testing. Y

8. A pair of contacts, a connector movable to electrically make or break connection be- -bridging connection when the other contact icav izsv

tween' said contacts, said connector being provided with means for the connection therewith at will of means whereby said connector can be manipulated to free one ofthe contacts of said pair.

iso

9. A circuit closing and opening device including contacts and a connectorlfor-closing and opening the connection between the contacts, in combination with independent means adapted for electrical connection with `said circuit opening and closing device, said thereon, a connector electrically joining the contacts, a bridge adapted for electrical connection with the connector and when so connected to provide means for the manipulation of the connector to open or close the connection between the contacts with which it is associated.

12. A base, at least two pairs of contacts mounted thereon, an independently operative connector associated with each pair of contacts, bridging means adapted to electrically connect across from one connector to the other, at least one of the connectors when so electrically joined by the bridgingv means being manipulable to open or close the connection between the 'contacts of its pair, one of the connectors' being in the bridging circuit when the bridging means is operatively positioned.

13. A base, atleast twopairs of contacts mounted thereon, independently operative rigid, swinging connectors coacting with the pairs of contactsand each movable to electrically free one of the two contacts with which it is associated and electrically joins, and means for electricallyV bridging directly from one connector directly to the other.

`ll. A base, a plurality of pairs of contacts mounted thereon, connectors joining the contacts of the pairs, each connector being adapted for movement to electrically free one of the contacts of its pair, and

' manipulating means attachable to or detachable from said connectors,- saidmanipulating means when attached also serving to electrically bridge from one connector to another. I

15. A base, at least two pairs of' contacts mounted thereon, a connector pivoted at one end to one contact of each pair, and an electrical by-pass and manipulating bridge adapted for connection with said connector. 16. In combination with a connector and its contacts, an electrical by-pass and manipulating bridge` adapted for removable connection with the connector, the connector when vsaid bridge is connected therewith being manipulable to electrically -free one of the two contacts with which it is associated and make it accessible for testing purposes.

17. An electrical by-pass and connector manipulating bridge having a conducting v nectors.

19. A movable connector adapted to open or close the circuit between a pair o f contacts, in combination with means for electrical and mechanical connection at will with said connector andserving both as a current path and manipulating means for testing purposes.

20. Pairs of contacts, connectors electrically joining the contacts of each pair, a service wire connected to a contact of one pair and a load wire connected to a contact of'another pair, a meter coil connected with contacts of each of the aforesaid the current around the meter coil and also when so associated serving as a manipulating means to move a connector and electrically ree a contact and make it accessible for testing purposes. i

21. -Pairs of contacts, a service wire \con nected to one contact of one pair, a consumers load wire, connected to a contact of another pair, a meter coil connected to the complemental contacts of the two pairs' of contacts, a connector joining a pair of contacts, and an electrica-l by-pass and manipulating bridge adapted when associated with the parts aforesaid including the connector, to by-pass the current around the meter coil and also serving as a manipulating means whereby a connector with which it is associated may be moved to make accessible the terminals of the coil and wires for testing purposes.

22. In a meter testing block, a base, at least two pairs of contacts mounted thereon, a connector associated with a pair of contacts, a meter coil terminal connected to one contact of the pair, means associated with said connector and its pair of contacts to by-pass the current around the meter coil,

pairs, and/ means adapted for removable association'-,

and to manipulate the connector for elec- 23..A base, pairs of contacts' mounted y free and` accessible'for testing purposes the other contact, and means associableat will with the connectors adapted to make electrical connection therewith and to also serve as a manipulating means for the purpose of moving them.

24. A base having gtour contacts coacting in pairs, connectors for normally electri- 1 cally `connecting coacting contacts, and

means for removably electrically rigidly vbridging the connectors and vfor causing the electrical separation of contacts of a pair.

v25. The combination withv at least two connectors and their ,coacting pairs of conbvtacts, of a by-pass bridge adapted to be yelectrically connected with the two vconnectorsand thus provide a by-pass path for the current flow from one to the other and at least through one, of the connectors when i I' either of the connectors is freed from one y ing socket.

of'its contacts. l 26.. electrical by-pass bridge comprising a conducting portion and an insulating handle portion, the-conducting portion being adapted to electrically connect two connectors and the handle portion 'when ma- 1 nipulated serving. vto move at least .one of the connectors with which it may ,be connected for-testing purposes, r', i'

- 27.' A,.connector for e'lectri'callyjoining a air of'c'oacting contacts, said connector being provided with a receiving socket and a ,by-pass bridge ladapted for connection to saidconnector byinsertion into said receivl28, A connector .for electrically vjoining a `pairof coacting contacts, and having a hol- 'low'head portion to detachably Ito receive a testing terminal.

" 29. vA *base having four contacts coacting.A

in pairs, connectors for normally electrically oconnecting coacting contacts, land means for removably electrically bridging the connectors and for causing electrical separation of the contacts of a pair.

30. A base having four contacts coacting in pairs, connectors for normally electrically connecting coacting contacts, and means for electrically bridging the connectors and permitting either or both connectors to be electrically freed from one ofthe contacts of its pair without interrupting the current iiow from one to the other of the other contacts of the pairs and through at least one ywith the connectors and permit of their being freed from one of the contacts of either or both pairs. y

32. Contacts arranged in pairs, connectors electrically joining the respective pairs of contacts, in combination with an electrical bridge coacting with the connectors and permitting either or both connectors to be operated to free one of the contacts without interruption of the current How from one to the other of the other contacts of the pairs, at least one of the connectors being included in the bridging circuit.

, 33. A meter testing block having an incoming service connection, an outgoing load connection, meter coilvconnections complemental to the said incoming service and outgoing load connections, and means -electriv cally joining one of the meter connections with one of the other connections, said tions and adapted to always carry current' from the 'incoming service to the outgoing load connection and to be actuated to permit the testing of the meter coil, said protective device carrying means being provided with means for the removable association therewith of a testing appurtenance. y `35. A lmeter testing block having an incoming service connection, an outgoing load connection, meter coil connections complemental to said incoming service and outgoing load connections, a connector connecting the incoming service connection with one of the meter connections, a connector connecting the outgoing load co'nnection with the other meterconnection, and an electrical protectivel device associated with one of said` connectors, and means coperativevwithl one of said connectors to permit the testing of the meter coil, and at the same time always insuring current flow from the incoming service to the outgoing load wire through the protective device.

'i 36. A metertesting block having incoming service and outgoing load connections, meter testin connections complemental respectively with said first mentioned connections, an electrical protective device included in the circuit between one of the service or load connections and one of the meter connections, and means adapted to always insure current passing through the protective device and for permitting the electrical 'coperating meter coil connections, and an electrical protective device in the joint between one of the meter coil connections and one of the other connections, means associated with one'of the oints for insuring current always passing through the protective device from the ser-vice to the load connection and for also permitting the block to be arranged for testing purposes.

" `38. A meter testingvblock having, a connection for either an incoming service or an outgoing load wire, a complemental meter coil terminal connection, a fuse carrying element joining said connections,` and independent means associable at will with said element whereby the meter connection is made electrically accessible for testing purposes and after said independent means has been l associated with said element.

39. A meter testing block having a connection for either an incoming service or an outgoing load wire, a complemental meter coil terminal connection, said connections being electrically joined by a fuse carrying element, means associable and coactive with said element whereby the meter connection is madey electrically accessible for testing purposes, and insuring current flow at all timesthrough the fuse carrying element.

40. A meter testing block having an incoming service connection, an outgoing load connection, meter coil connections complemental to the said incoming service and outgoing load connections, one of the meter connections being joined to one of the'other connections and the other met-er connection being joined to the other of the' other connections, and an electrical protectivedevice included in one of the joints, said protective device being associable with either pair of complemental connections and being provided with means for the .removable association therewith of a testing appurtenance.

4l. A connector adapted to electrically join a pair of coacting contacts, said connector havingsubstantially parallel Contact {portions with approximately fiat contact faces, and a resilient hollow portion integrally joining said contact portions,' the head portion being at least co-eXtensive with the contact portions lengthwise of the connector.

42. A connector adapted to .electrically join a pair of coacting contacts, having substantially parallel contact sides with approximately Hat contact faces, and a resilient hollow ,head portion integrally joining said sides, the connector having means for pivoting the same to a support, said head portion being at least co-extensive with said `contact sides lengthwise of the connector.

43. A connector having contact'sides and a hollow head integrally and resiliently connecting said sides, one of the latter hav ing a pivot portion, said head portion being at least co-eitensive with said contact sides comprising an insulating body portion4 having a chamber, a threaded contact shell in said chamber, a substantially central con` tact lin said chamber, and two contact clips each having substantially flat contact portions and a hollow head portion integrally joining the same, said heads being firmly held to said insulating body portion and said clips being electrically connected with said shell and central contact respectively.

46. An insulating base L-shaped connection and contact members mounted thereon,

one branch of each of which serves as a base portion, a washer coacting with and clamped to the base portionoi:l each connection and contact member, a connector electrically joining two of the connection and contact members constituting a coacting 1 pair, said connector being pivotally mounted and being provided with means for interlockably receiving testing means.

47. An insulating base, connection and contact members mounted thereon in pairs, means for clamping a wire to each of the connection and contact members, fused and unfused connectors pivotally joined to one of each pair of connection and Contact members with which they respectively coact, said connectors being interchangeable, and provided with means to receive testing devices and to be actuated for the purpose of putting contacts on said block in condition for testing purposes.

48. Ameter testing block including an insulating base, five pairs of contacts mounted thereon, twoof the pairs being included in the path of one pole of the circuit, two of the pairs being included in the path of another pole of the circuit, and the remaining pair of contacts being adapted to be connected to one or two additional poles, and connectors coacting with each pair of contacts, said connectors being provided with means for the removable association with 

